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It’s only 10 more days until one of my favorite events of the year, the Maker Faire! It’s described on their website as:

“Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.”

I sometimes tell people that it’s the best place in New York to learn how to pick a lock, make your own PVC spitball guns or enjoy a full-size human mousetrap. Mentos and Diet Coke fountains? Check! Body paint? Oh yes. Build a drone, catch a panel discussion, learn to solder or chochet! Roger That!

You could also stop by the Bust Craftacular area and visit us at the Ink & Sword booth, where we will be enjoying the festivities while offering up our super awesome Stellar Science art prints, greeting cards and some plush robots!

If all else fails, you will at least come away from the event with fun memories, some great photos and you will finally know what the heck Arduino is!

New York Maker Faire
September 21 & 22, 2013
New York Hall of Science
Queens, New York

I am excited to announce that I have been asked by the American Folk Art Museum to lead a session in their “Make It Thursday” series!

The museum runs hands-on workshops and discussions with leaders in the DIY community on select Thursday evenings. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to make something new, mingle with like-minded folks and enjoy a glass of wine while you run with scissors. You will be provided with all the goodies you need to make the project, though I recommend if you have a pair of awesome scissors, bring them, as they will be put to good work!

Here are some particulars:
Thursday, November 14, 2013
6 to 7:30 pm
Free for museum members
$10 for non-members

Since the workshop is right at the start of the holiday season, I have chosen for my session the beautiful and fun-to-make Ruffled Felt Wreath. I will post more details as the event draws closer. Perhaps I will see you there!

Just when you thought it was safe to go in the living room! Your kitty can now take on the ocean’s most feared monsters, and win every time! Here is our newest catnip toy…The Severed Shark Tail Catnip Toy! Shark Week has come and gone, but kitty can pretend it’s Shark Week every day, and kitty always wins! Come by and pick one up in our Etsy shop.

Here is a recently finished, special edition WeeBot. He is fresh off the production line, specially made for a “fresh off the production line human baby bot” named Gus. When Gus is old enough to recognize letters, he will discover his own initials programmed onto this guys control panel!

It’s no secret that sometimes I can space out. Now my walls can get spaced out too, because of these awesome new space-themed art prints from our brother shop Ink & Sword. These 6 new art prints commemorate the history and achievements of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo NASA lunar missions and are the latest additions to the Ink & Sword Stellar Science Series. Astronauts, space walks, modified ballistic missiles, what’s not to love?

Severed legs are great for pumas. Severed zebra legs are awesome for lions. What about severed dragon tails? Only the bravest kitties in the kingdom can tackle a fire-breathing dragon. And when they do, of course kitty will win the battle and bring you her prize!

We are pleased to debut our latest catnip toy…the Severed Dragon Tail Catnip Toy! It’s similar in size to the famous Severed Leg Catnip Toy, but offers kitty a new fantasy to live out. They are now available in our Etsy shop! Intern Moo has tested these new treats, and has dragged them into her own lair (her kitty cave). Is she playing “knight in shining armor” or “bigger dragon eats smaller dragon”? Only she knows for sure!

It’s happening again! The Renegade Craft Fair is coming to Brooklyn next month, and we will be there, vending up a storm of Severed Leg Catnip Toys, handmade plushies and brand new greeting cards. More details to come, but save the date.

I know, I know, since Saint Alps Teahouse closed it’s Williamsburg location, you may still be mourning the loss of their most excellent Honeydew Sorbies, but that’s no reason NOT to swing on over to the neighborhood. The Smorgasburg will be open right next to the fair that Saturday! Good eats and a fantastic view. And best of all, it all happens just around the corner from the LwT Studio.

Playful little Rhubarb is a satisfied customer. Her Severed Leg Catnip Toy is one of her favorite toys. This lovely photo is from Audrey, who gets extra props for having a cat who is named after a very interesting fruit and/or vegetable. Some fun facts about Rhubarb:

Rhubarb is usually considered to be a vegetable; however a New York court decided in 1947 that it was to be counted as a fruit for the purposes of regulations and duties

Rhubarb leaves contain poisonous substances

Rhubarb can be used as a strong laxative

Rhubarb is also a “a heated dispute or controversy” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary

Stage actors used to mutter the phrase “rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb” during crowd scenes to simulate conversations

“Never rub another man’s rhubarb” was said by the Joker in the 1989 movie Batman and is one of my personal favorite movie quotes